Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.